How long do dog distemper symptoms last?

The initial symptoms of dog distemper and cold are similar. The main clinical manifestations of dog distemper are fever, purulent rhinitis, cough, and other respiratory symptoms. The treatment for dog distemper generally involves symptomatic treatment or additional biological agents. Dog distemper is a common infectious disease, but the treatment period is long and the mortality rate is high.

Duration of Dog Distemper

The incubation period of the dog distemper virus is usually about 14-30 days, and the clinical treatment period may vary from 14 days to 3 months. The clinical features of dog distemper include biphasic fever, respiratory symptoms, and later may develop neurological symptoms. The mortality rate is relatively high, and both puppies and adult dogs can be infected. Immunization is the most effective way to prevent dog distemper.

How to distinguish dog distemper from cold

You can distinguish dog distemper from cold by the following methods: After a dog is infected with the dog distemper virus, the early symptoms include coughing, running nose, lethargy, and elevated temperature. As the disease progresses, the dog may have purulent discharge from the eyes and nose, vomiting, and diarrhea. In contrast, dogs with ordinary colds do not have purulent discharge from the eyes and nose, and the pads of their feet do not become cornified. You can use a dog distemper test to differentiate them.

Prevention of Dog Distemper

Dog distemper is preventable. The most effective way to prevent dog distemper is to vaccinate dogs with infectious disease vaccines. Vaccination can begin at about 45 days old, followed by boosters every 21 days. Generally, after three doses, the dog's antibodies against dog distemper can reach a certain concentration, providing sufficient resistance to dog distemper viruses and effectively preventing dog infection.